Why?

Why does business lower entry wage…

Disregarding human need?

Why do they profit at others’ expense…

Lusting for power and greed?

Why are things made in foreign lands

Korea, Taiwan or Japan?

Why don’t we produce quality…

Here, with well-skilled hands?

Why does the landlord raise the rents high…

Cash flow his only goal?

Why do politicians line their pockets with gold…

While our nation goes in the hole?

Why do the clergy pass the hungry plate…

As they piously rant and rave?

Why do the prayer-makers sweeten their profits…

Tax dodges, or souls to save?

Why do the teachers know less than most…

Their sheepish bleats in union?

Why are the schools controlled by jocks…

In a frightfully ignorant communion?

Why do developers rape the land…

And bury it in glass and cement?

Where are small homes for the honest men…

I wonder where the good dream went?

Why is the air polluted and brown…

Smelling both deadly and vile?

Who dumped in the waters and poisoned the ground.

And is never brought openly to trial?

Why does the drug lord in respectable cloth…

Continue to ply his trade?

Why do authorities put on a big show…

While Bigger Deals are made?

Why do the merchants who deal in guns…

Walk arm-in-arm with the Boss?

Who gave them carte blanche to blast the world…

Playing both sides of the coin that’s tossed?

Why do pornographers do their ugly deeds…

And have so much to sell?

Why do the buyers have such twisted needs…

And drive themselves, and others, to hell?

Why does the mother leave her newborn child…

Unprotected and liable to harm?

Why does the father relinquish his place…

To practice his empty charm?

Why do the sons and daughters…

Suffer for their parents’ sins?

Why are goodness and gentility forgotten…

What has happened to this place we are in?

Through my life I have learned the answer,

Though debatable it may be…

That the good are punished and the evil rewarded,

That’s what most folks want, you see.

Some questions for the reader:

Personal Response Questions: Why do many people refuse to give attention to these many existing problems; what motivates them? On the other hand, why do a few people express concern and even effort… in trying to build awareness and a need for change and improvement; what motivates them?

Ten Steps To Success In The Modern World

Manipulation is fun… from ten to one… And here, my dear readers,

Is how it is done.

You make them afraid to speak up

Or offend… that’s ten.

You make them grin and bear it and say

“I’m fine… ” that’s nine.

You make them feel it’s impossible to change,

Already too late… that’s eight.

You tell them life is just that way, though

It’s better in heaven… that’s seven.

You teach them they can’t do it, and

The lesson sticks… that’s six.

You convince them it’s unimportant to

Feel alive… that’s five.

You make them adore a life that’s

A bore… that’s four.

You make them believe they can never

Be free… that’s three.

You make them feel guilty, and

In debt to you… that’s two.

You make them feel miserable, that

Life is no fun… that’s one!

Some questions for the reader:

Comprehension Question: What is the writer’s purpose, and what techniques are employed to get the point across?

Personal Response Questions: Do you think this type of poem is an effective way to enlighten others? What does this writer refer to, in using the word “success”? What is your definition of true success in life?

One of the oldest clothing chains within the US, Brooks Brothers outlet stores speak of elegance and sophistication. The company initially started out as a family-owned business and is currently owned by the major Retail Brand Alliance. With visionary policies like selling with fair profits, the company specializes in the ready-to-wear suit category.

Brooks Brothers continue to innovate and bring out new specializations to conventional garments. The evergreen favorite, the neck tie made of silk is specially woven from England. With over 200 outlets in US alone and around 80 outlets worldwide in countries such as Chile, China, England, Dubai, Italy, Japan, France, Taiwan and Scotland, the company truly has a global presence.

The Brooks Brothers outlet stores were one of the first to launch the famous button-down variety of shirt collars. They are also famous for their dress shirts, foulard ties, polo coats and Shetland sweaters. Their summer suits are all the rage due to the lightness in fabric as they are made from seersucker and cotton corduroy. They are the ones who pioneered what is called ‘Brooks weave’, which is comprised of polyester, Dacron and cotton. This particular weave is predominantly found in materials, which require a lot of wear and tear.

The famous argyle sock was invented by Brooks Brothers. Many Hollywood stars have worn clothes from their line. Abraham Lincoln had his coat designed by the company and its exceptionally tailored look was well-received. The ‘black fleece’ introduced by the company found a very niche market and continues to enthrall consumers till date.

From the average person on the street to famous stars and politicians, Brooks Brothers have defined fashion for the modern man and woman. Their brand is synonymous with high quality and trust, something, which is hard to find these days in clothing brands.

Vegetarian food is hardly tasteless or boring and there are a number of these that many people can choose from. For starters, people may want to try vegetarian soup recipes that are very healthy and among these are crockpot, chili, vegetarian minestrone, French onion soup, barley and tomato soup. One of the best vegetable soups that people should try is the gourmet vegetarian and tomato bisque soup. Not to be outdone is the delicious vegan artichoke that will certainly be a treat for vegetable lovers. Vegetarian foods are so very tasty that many people cannot have enough of them.

Incidentally, Taiwan offers plenty of vegetarian chows that people can feast on and enjoy with much delight. One of these is the unassuming Vegan Scallion Pancakes wherein street vendors pile them high and serve them hot. These delicious snacks can be eaten as an appetizer or as a snack and the best way to eat them is by dipping them in soy sauce. Another flavorful fare is Vegetarian Chinese Dumplings that is considered as one of the best vegetarian meals. These dumplings are steamed and dipped in vinegar or soy sauce and they are best served with hot green tea.

Tofu or seitan can be added to a soup called Vegetarian Hot and Sour soup and the Chinese usually eat this during breakfast. Also, this is considered as a complete meal and people can heartily consume this tasty soup. Incidentally, many people are worried that they may not get enough protein if they eat vegetarian foods, but their fears are unfounded because they can get this when they eat whole grains especially if it is the “quinoa.” Other, grains that are rich in protein is barley, brown rice, and whole grain bread. For those who miss burgers in their diet, they can try the special Cranberry and Camembert Burgers that are made of healthy soya protein that is textured.

Customers will definitely enjoy this meal that is high in protein and fiber especially if it is served with rosemary oven chips together with grilled haloumi that is placed inside a ciabatta roll. For added flavor, customers can request for salad leaves and fresh tomatoes. Vegetarian foods that customers should look forward to are Red Onion and Rosemary Sausages. This tasty meal is baked with rosemary sprigs and slice onions are added into it. This meal would not be complete without the minted peas, spring onions and mashed potatoes that are buttered.

Like the Cranberry Burgers, this meal has high protein content and is an excellent source of fiber. Sausages are meat products that children and adults alike enjoy very much, but vegetarian foods such as Mini Snack Sausages are great alternatives because they contain no meat and are healthier. These sausages can be served at parties or snacks. Steak lovers would be glad to note that they can wolf down grilled tempeh instead of their usual beef steak. Along with scrambled tofu brunch these customers will discover that they will feel full without worrying about the health effects of these vegetarian foods.

Looking through the window overlooking the freeway passing behind the high-rise apartment building where he lived in Benghazi, Libya, Aliyu noticed how the automobiles sped pass one another. It was already 3 pm, and he had been standing there watching these cars for an hour. He could see his two other half-sisters whose fathers were both foreigners in his mind. He remembered how, one day, Patricia's European father came down to Ghana and took away his daughter back to his country. Six months later, his other sister, Cecilia was also snatched away by her Chinese father back to Taiwan. During these two occasions, he could see the face of his Mom disturbed by justification each time one of them bid a farewell to their Mom.

The departure of Patricia, his eldest half-sister was particularly cruel to his Mom. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she held Patricia's wrists firmly, saying adieu. Back then, Aliyu had processed for several days to ease his Mom's pain and bind the wounds to her aging heart. Being the youngest and the darkest of his two half-sisters, he was left to clean up the emotional mess left behind by his departing half-sisters.

Growing up, Aliyu's Mom and his other two half-sisters lived in one room under a leaky zinc roof between four brick walls. Every night, before they go to bed, they had to first place empty Milo cans in strategic locations to catch leaks when it rained. Aliyu was never drawn to going abroad just to become rich. He was driven to leave Africa by the pain of the past. '

"I'm going to work hard, Mama, so I that I can have something." Aliyu assured his Mom before deciding to travel by road to Libya. His Dad was a drunkard and irresponsible.He was mean and violent when he had too much. He walked out early in marriage but would visit his Mom once or twice a year-drunken and demanding sexual satisfaction. By the time his visits ceased, Aliyu's Mom had had another baby-who died during birth-and a broken jaw from his father's unlenting blows.

Aliyu was told his Dad left his Mom for another woman when he was only two. He returned to his Mom's fold when he got broke and Aliyu was six. He left her again for a younger woman when Aliyu was thirteen, returned when he was 21, left when he was 22 and came back when he was 24. It was indeed irritating to see Aliyu's Dad jettison his Mom, once fortune begon to smile upon him and, only to jettison her during hard times. There are some women who will forgive a husband his sexual peccadilloes as long as he cherishes and provides for the family. Aliyu's Mom was that sort of woman. Dad was an elderly gentleman; he was old-fashioned, but often tended to regard pretty young females as delectable young ladies.

The pain of Aliyu's past led him to become weaved into slavery in post Muammar Gaddafi's Libya. Aliyu was only one of the so many youngsters in Africa who parents and the societies in which they lived in had failed them.

PSE Reaper Crossbow Review

If you’re a fan of PSE’s crossbows, then you’ve probably heard about the PSE Reaper Crossbow. This crossbow has caused quite a buzz among archers awaiting its release. Now that that it’s finally here, aficionados and skeptics alike are aching to find out what’s new about PSE’s latest creation.

What’s New?

The first news about PSE’s Reaper Crossbow is that it’s finally home grown. The earlier versions of the crossbow produced for huntingwere famous for being outsourced from Taiwan. But for the 2011 model, PSE finally decided to move the production to their factory in Tucson, Arizona.

Many believe that this decision is PSE’s way of ensuring that the product has better quality compared to its predecessors. What’s more is that the quality improvement isn’t taken out on the consumers. That’s because the PSE Reaper Crossbow can still be bought at under $400.

What Do You Get?

The PSE Reaper Crossbow now has a 185-pound split limb assembly which gives it more power and speed. Specifically, the Reaper allows you to shoot carbon Charger crossbow arrows that have 100-grain points at 310 feet per second. This means that your kinetic energy can reach up to 86 ft-lbs if you have an arrow weight that totals 425 grains.

The 2011 model also has a locking system termed as a Two Point Limb Bolt and a longer barrel. This gives the Reaper an increased power stroke. The crossbow now also has a new paint job. It is film-dipped in a Mossy Oak Tree stand camouflage which helps for increased stealth when you take it to the woods.

The Reaper’s barrel is made out of anodized aluminum which makes it strong yet lightweight. It also has an aluminum trigger guard and it comes with a molded stock that has a comfortable grip.

An ambidextrous safety lever can also be found in the 2011 Reaper that automatically engages once the arrow is cocked. The arrow hold is also made steadier to add to the Reaper’s safety.

If you buy the PSE Reaper Crossbow, you can now choose between two packages. One package offers a 4×32 Multi-Reticle Scope while the other offers a Red Dot Scope. Both packages include four 20-inch carbon Crossbow arrows that have Half Moon Nocks (points not included), a Quick-Detach Quiver, that can hold up to 6 arrows, and a Cocking Strap.

What the People Have to Say

The PSE Reaper Crossbow is still a new product and archery enthusiasts are still trying it out. This explains the lack of user reviews present in the World Wide Web. However, majority of those who loved the Reaper’s ancestors are now looking forward to the latest features offered to them by PSE. Users hope that the PSE Reaper Crossbow stands by its two key features: performance and affordability.

Hsu Chicheng. Blossoming Blossoms of Poetry: Selected Poems of Hsu Chicheng (Chinese – English). Translated by Zhang Zhizhong. Chongqing City: The Earth Culture Press (USA), 2012. Pages 382. Price CNY 50.00, US $ 25.00. ISBN 978-0-9637599-6-2/E.009

The volume of Selected Poems of Hsu Chicheng seeks to present his poetic excellence, or, as the poet would like to say, “a new starting point” in his life after 70. Hsu Chicheng has been writing poetry for the past five decades, celebrating nature and humanity: His poems depict native landscape, idyllic life, and human values with respect for Chinese tradition and culture:

“-I am determined to devote myself to human beings

And I don’t care about whether you eat up my flesh or drink up my blood.” (p. 361)

and

“The fire of strength shall never die out

And shall burn more wildly, wildly… ” (p. 359)

Since I do not know Chinese, I cannot say whether he follows the traditional Chinese poetic forms and styles, too, but he is modern in his outlook and true to his personal experiences and vision. As he notes in his prefatory:

“My pieces are written in more blood than in ink. Humanism is the basic point in my writing; with the usual subjects of countryside, landscape, and nature, to eulogize the sunny side of human life and to spur people onward, so as to finally bring benefit to my readers… In the past 50 years, the poetry forum of Taiwan has been an animated scene: various styles and various schools of poems. But I do not follow any other school than my own pastoral school. I go my own way by tilling my own land, sowing my own seeds, and cultivating my own crops… ” (p. 13)

Obviously, Hsu Chicheng writes with a commitment. His poetic sensibility is rooted in nature, the sea and rivers, the hills and mountains, the winds and rains, the fields and agricultural activities, the docile domestic birds and animals, the sincerity and simplicity of the rural folks, their honesty and tolerance, and the hardships of rural and urban life, etc. He is also aware of the transitions experienced at various points of time in his career as teacher, journalist, military judge, and post-retirement pursuits as a poet, translator and editor. His poetic imagination exudes a sense of history.

While he puts up with challenges of various sociopolitical nature and ups and downs in his own life, his visionary orientation is ‘self’-ward despite the disappointing political and economic climate outside. The fighter in him exhorts: “Hold fast to the will/Never let go of the target/Afraid of no bitterness/Afraid of no loneliness/He shall go his own way by himself alone/To tread ruggedness even/To dispel haze/Walking out of winds and rains/To embrace sunshine” p. 357), just as the meditator in him rejoices: “Sitting silent/Quietude is here/Quietude accompanies me/Only two: she and me” (p. 369). Hsu yearns for peace and enjoys it through inner quietude “in the depth of night”. In fact poetry is his spiritual aspiration and fulfillment.

At 73, Hsu exults in hope and faith:

“There is nothing bad about retirement

There is nothing bad about dusk

I can paint still

–Though it is painting the afterglow

It can paint better” (p. 165)

and

“Now dusk! Twilight is gathering

What is the length of the long lane ahead?

Is the lane smooth or hard of walking?

In spite of uncertainty

In spite of tiredness and difficulty in walking

No stop and no rest

One’s courage has to be taken in both hands

To appreciate and draw the colorful sunset glow” (p. 475)

and

“Still he does not abandon his hope

He is on the seeking without sparing any effort

… (p. 367)

Hsu loves brightness (p. 355) and sees hope in winter, “Never lose your faith/And wait patiently” (p. 353),as he says. To him, aging is a bliss, a new opportunity:

“This time to be more steady and more steadfast

Spiritually oneself must be thoroughly remoulded

To overcome corporeal aging

To shoulder the load of years

To be walking in scorching heat, severe coldness, and winds & rains

To overstep myriads of hills and rills, as well as bumpiness of roads… ”

(‘Seventy Years as Spring’, p. 351)

and

“We raise our heads and overlook, expecting another world

We raise our heads and overlook, expecting another spring”

(‘Reappearance’, p. 347)

Hsu Chicheng as a sensitive observer of himself, others, and nature, voices a free spirit with awareness of the cycle of changes and memories of childhood, growth, and aging. His poems are as genuine as his silvery hair and keep the fire of hope and faith burning (cf. pp. 333, 299, 271, 257).

Poet editor Zhang Zhizhong ‘s word for word literal translation, as it seems to me, successfully shows the growth of Hsu’s mind and personality and places him in the forefront of contemporary Chinese poetry. He is ably joined by a couple of other translator poets, namely Yang Zongze, Yang Xu, and Hsu Chicheng himself who translate some of the best poems in the collection. I also feel that with their close reading of Hsu’s poetic texts and/or their presentation in true contexts, Zhang Zhizhong and others have helped open up new spaces in Chinese poetry, be it from main land China, or from Hong Kong and Taiwan. The translators deserve congrats for their expert rendering of Hsu’s inspiring and refreshing texts and contexts.

Scientists at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University in Taiwan found a higher-than-average risk of particular cancers in women with a history of Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-related diabetes. Their study was published in February of 2019 in the British Medical Journal.

A total of 47,373 women with Gestational diabetes and 943,199 women with healthy pregnancies were admitted to the study and followed for three years. Women with a history of Gestational diabetes had more than twice the risk of developing cancer as women without such a history. They were…

• more than twice as likely to develop kidney cancer,
• almost 74 percent more likely to develop cancer of the nose or throat,
• over 37 percent more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer,
• almost 39 percent more likely to develop thyroid gland cancer, and
• over 23 percent more likely to develop breast cancer.

The researchers concluded women who had a history of Gestational diabetes should be screened for the cancers listed above.

Prevention of Gestational diabetes should begin before women conceive. Gestational diabetes starts during pregnancy, especially in women over age 25. Being overweight is a risk factor, therefore, women planning to conceive need to normalize their weight; and during pregnancy, mothers need to gain only the recommended amount of weight. Getting enough physical activity and rest is important too.

Signs and symptoms of kidney cancer are…

• blood in the urine,
• one-sided low back pain,
• lump in the lower back or side,
• tiredness,
• loss of appetite,
• losing weight without trying, and/or a
• fever without a known cause that does not go away.

Signs and symptoms of nose cancer include…

• nasal mucus,
• pain around the eyes,
• a blocked side of your nose,
• postnasal drip,
• frequent nosebleeds,
• pus from the nose,
• a poor or an absent sense of smell, and/or
• numbness or pain in the face

Throat cancer’s signs and symptoms include…

• a cough that does not go away,
• hoarseness or speaking indistinctly,
• swallowing with difficulty,
• ear pain
• sore throat, and/or
• unexplained weight loss

The list of signs and symptoms of lung cancer include…

• a persistent cough,
• bloody or rust-colored sputum,
• chest pain that gets worse with breathing,
• hoarseness,
• shortness of breath,
• tiredness,
• loss of appetite, and/or
• weight loss without trying.

Signs and symptoms of thyroid gland cancer are…

• a lump in the neck may grow quickly,
• ain in front of the neck may reach up to the ears,
• hoarseness or other changes in the voice,
• difficulty swallowing, and/or
• breathing problems.

Until recently most people in the waste industry had assumed that it was impossible to reduce the amount being produced and were concentrating on putting the stuff to better use. But lately that assumption has been challenged. For one thing, the pace at which the rich world churns out rubbish has been slowing.

Between 1980 and 2000 the amount of waste produced by the OECD countries increased by an average of 2.5% a year. Between 2000 to 2005 the average growth rate slowed to 0.9%. That was just ahead of the rate of population growth (0.7%), but well behind the rate of economic growth (2.2%). The OECD describes as “a rather strong relative decoupling of municipal waste generation from economic growth”, although it express some misgivings about the reliability of the data. The European Union has detected a similar trend in several European countries as has CyclOpe, the research institute.

Reducing the amount of waste being produced makes a great deal of sense, provided it does not cost more, in either environmental or financial terms, than disposing of it in the usual way. Governments hope it might help to trim both green house-gas emissions and waste management costs. But they are not sure how best to encourage it.

Some are trying to persuade consumers to throw away less. The simplest method is to collect the rubbish less often. In areas of Britain where the dustmen come round only every other week, recycling rates are 10% higher then elsewhere.

Another tactis is to make households pay by volume for the rubbish they generate, rather than through a flat fee or through local taxes. Many places in Europe. America and Asia have adopted “pay as you throw” schemes. (in Taiwan, householders even have to chuck their own rubbish into the truck.) About a quarter of Americans live in communities with such programmes. The EPA recksons that they reduce the volume of rubbish by 14-27%, and increase recycling (which usually remains free) by 32-59%.

There are drawbacks. Fly-tipping the illegal dumping of waste-tends to rise slightly as people try to avoid paying. And households generally grumble a lot if they have to pay extra to have their rubbish collected. Some communities have responded by offering rebates to those who throw away less-a more palatable way of packaging the same idea. But most local authorities have simply decided against the idea. When the British government offered them money to experiment with pay-as-you-throw schemes earlier this year, not one signed up.

Businesses are generally seen as a softer target than consumers. It can be argued that manufacturers bear some responsibility for the amount of waste rich countries produce. They often have an incentive to reduce waste anyway, since most already pay for disposal by volume. There is even a name for the steady reduction in materials used to make the same goods: “light-weighting”. It is not only electronic gadgets that have become smaller and lighter over the years even as their performance has improved but many other things too, from cars to plastic bags.

The average aluminium drink can is only half as thick as it was in 1960s, according to Molson Coors, the firm that introduced this type of container in 1959. Its American subsidiary has reduced the weight of its cans by 7% in the past five years alone. That means savings not only on the metal itself but also on transport and even cooling: thinner cans chill faster.

Officials in the EU, in particular, are keen to hurry lightweighting along. WRAP, the British agency charged with reducing waste, is trying to promote it for various sorts of packaging. It funded trails of a lightweight pull-tab lid for food tins, which believes could save 15,000 tonnes of steel each year in Britain alone. Heinz, a giant food manufacturer which took part in the trial, hopes that adopting the new lids will save it 400,000 a year. WRAP has conducted similar tests of thinner glass and plastic bottles, with equally promising results.

WRAP also cajoled Britain’s biggest supermarkets and food suppliers into signing a voluntary agreement to halt the growth in packaging by last year and start reducing it from 2010. Last July it announced that the initial target had been met, despite a 1.8% rise in sales. Some firms are going much further: in 2007 Tesco pledged to reduce its packaging by a quarter by 2010.

In theory, consumers could steer firms towards waste reduction by buying products that are easy to recycle, say, or have only minimal packaging. To some extent this is happening. Tesco’s Alasdair James says British consumers rank the environment as their third priority after price and convenience. But many governments are trying to give greenery an extra push with compulsory waste-reduction schemes. Some levy fees on certain products, akin to bottle deposits, to ensure they are disposed off safely. Thirty-six states in America, for example, charge for the disposal of tyres. The states spend the money on clean up programmes or pay others to run such programmes. Many of the tyres are blended into road surface or burned in cement kilns. Several other states have “advance recovery fees” for computer motors and televisions. So have Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, among others, and China is working on a scheme.

The problem with fee programmes is that all goods in a category are subject to the same charge, whether they are easy or hard to get rid of. That gives manufacturers no incentive to build easy disposal into the design of product.

One answer is to ban certain substances outright, thereby eliminating the need to dispose of them later. A number of places, from San Francisco to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, have banned or severely restricted the use of plastic bags. The EU barred the use of several heavy metals and flame retardants in electronic goods in 2006 and recently proposed expanding the scheme. Several American states were so impressed that they have copied the EU’s rules.

Oolong tea and its varieties has been a mystery to all because of the marketing hype that tea sellers have put into advertising it. Let us take a look into this so called mysterious tea.

Origin of the Oolong Tea

The tea is said to have originated in Fujian, China around 400 years ago. It was grown and produced around the end of the Ming Dynasty in Mt. Wu Yi Shan, a mountain range in Fujian Province. As all other teas, Oolong came from the same plant, the Camellia Sinensis, but its tree produces different kinds of leaves and buds which is why there are also a lot of varieties of this tea. The Oolong leaves are long and dark in color and they look like black dragons, from which its name originated, oolong means black dragon in Chinese.

Varieties of Oolong

Because of its popularity, some varieties of Oolong tea (also known as Wu long) are now being grown in Taiwan and Japan. In China alone, there are several varieties or blends of Oolong such as:

–          Wu Yi Tea

–          Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe)

–          Song Zhong Dan Cong (Song Species Lone Bush)

–          Feng Huang – Shui Xian (Water Fairy)

–          Yong Chun – Fo Shou (Buddha’s Hand)

–          An Xi – Tie Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) 

There are also some varieties of oolong tea from Africa, Thailand and Vietnam aside from the several varieties from Taiwan. 

Process of Making Oolong Tea 

The process of making this tea is backed by age-old traditions and exceptional expertise and production is done in several stages. 

• First stage: the tea leaves are selected and picked in the early morning composing of one bud and three leaves per unit. They are then placed outdoors under the sun.
• Second stage: the tea leaves and buds are brought indoors to start fermentation.  The tea is semi-fermented in which case fermentation has to be stopped at some point and this is very crucial. Knowing when the oxidation process should be stopped will depend on expertise and experience and when the leaves are about 70% green and 30% red. When oxidation has been stopped it is then time to generate the unique qualities of oolong through rubbing the tea leaves together to bring out its unique aroma, flavor and texture. The final step for the second stage is charcoal drying the tea leaves.
• Final stage: the semi-fermented and charcoal dried tea leaves are graded by tea masters who will determine the grade of the batches of tea depending on the quality of its flavor and characteristics. Oolong has a distinct flavor, both fresh and strong, without the bitterness often associated with tea.

The Art of Drinking Oolong Tea

Through the centuries, the tea’s distinct and unique flavor and aroma has been highly valued and because of this an art of drinking the tea was developed by the ancient Chinese and it is still being practiced to this day.    To enjoy drinking Oolong tea, it should be brewed and drank using a tiny teapot and teacup. The art is still being used by the Chinese in preparing and drinking their Oolong. However, in the modern setting, there is no need for elaborate preparations because there are already canned and bottled Oolong which can be enjoyed as soon as you open the can or uncap the bottle.

Facts about Oolong Tea

Here are generic facts about Oolong Tea and which are also common in all varieties:

–          It is a fat burner and it is a common ingredient in fat loss supplements being sold over the counter

–          Oolong is also called Wu long and that they mean the same thing which is ‘Black Dragon’.

–          Oolong or Wu long was not named as such because of a dragon but it was named after the person who discovered the tea, Wu Liang.

–          Wu Yi, a variety of Oolong, was named after the Fujian mountain range where it was grown, Mt. Wuyi

–           The tea undergoes an intricate production process that it is more complicated to produce than Green tea or Black tea.

–         It contains a potent amount of polyphenols, a substance that activates enzymes to block and dissolve fatty substances. 

With all these facts and information about Oolong, it is not really something mysterious. Where the mystery lies is in the host of health benefits that a tea drinker gets from this semi-fermented tea. This is what the hype is all about and the only mystery behind Oolong tea is in its health and weight loss properties.

This Independent Usana Review – The Info You Need To Make A Smart Decision

This independent Usana review will focus on the information necessary to decide for yourself whether this company will be a good fit for you and the goals you have in mind.

Usana a publicly traded company founded in 1992 by a well respected scientist by the name of Myron W. Wentz P.H.D who is also the current chairman. Usana’s missions according to their website is to “To develop and provide the highest quality, science-based health products, distributed internationally through network marketing, creating a rewarding financial opportunity for our independent Associates, shareholders, and employees”.

Headquartered in the fine City of Salt Lake, Utah USA. A Globally Recognized Company, with good membership standings in the DSA, a body that oversees the Direct Selling Industry. Operate in Major Markets like Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Mexico, Japan, New Zealand, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Malayasia, Philippines, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. In major markets where they operate as a Mulitilevel Marketing Company like, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and Taiwan, they are members of the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations.

As of July 2011, USANA had 222,000 active Associates and 68,000 preferred customers Usana’s associates are bound by distributor agreements. They obviously can’t keep control of all their distributors and some have been caught on tape back in 2009 in Canada making false claims something that no MLM company is immune to. So that would not be the defining factor when making a decision. They lost a case back in 2008 because they terminated 2 employees they believe was misrepresenting the company in 2003 and a judge ordered the corporation to pay 7 Million dollars.

Information gathered from BBB during this Usana Review, I found they were not accredited. I would not put much weight on that fact, but I share this because the Better Business Bureau is a common place to source information on business. I also they had 7 complaints according to the Better Business Bureau July 2011 and they were all resolved.

Usana Review – The Products

To be a player for 19 years in this industry, your products have to provide an equal or higher perceive value than the user is paying or be doomed. Their products are appreciated worldwide by consumers and distributors alike. The company adopts and exceeds good manufacturing practices. Quality is assured because the vast majority of their products are manufactured in house. Usana does extensive research and development and their many accolades have proven time and time again that they produce high quality products.

Usana Review – The compensation Plan

The company offer an Industry standard Binary Compenstation Plan with their own flair. They make it no secret that there are 6 ways to get compensated. There is plenty to go around with 45% of every dollar going back to their distributors. With good marketing skills and campaign and a steady flow of leads, any skilled marketer can create a massive team and thus create massive income.

Usana Review – The Conclusion

Usana Health Science deserve serious consideration. In fact with good marketing campaign backed by solid sales and leadership you can create substantial earnings. This may be different from what you find in other Usana review about the market being saturated. The key to all this are baby boomers, for they and them alone control 72% of all the capital in the United States and they refuse to accept old age. Boomers set trends in the past and they aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. The United States is an aging population, by year 2025, one third of the population will be over 65. With demands for better nutrition and an increasing openest to Natural remedies the future looks bright for the health and wellness industry.

Learn exactly what you need to do to brand yourself and become a successful marketer now, attract the attention of hungry marketers, struggling marketers who are desperately seeking solutions to their problems. That brings the conclusion of this Usana Review.